The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), along with Children Trust Michigan, recognizes the important role child abuse prevention plays in keeping kids safe and helping parents, families and caretakers access the tools they need to raise children in supportive home environments.
“Children deserve to grow up in safe, loving and nurturing homes. Every day, our caseworkers help families navigate crises by connecting them to prevention resources and support to help families stay together safely because research shows that kids do best when they are with their families,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “MDHHS is committed to our shared responsibility with the legislature, law enforcement, judges and partners to continue to enhance Michigan’s child welfare system to meet the needs of kids and families.”
As part of the activities and initiatives planned throughout the month, the 17th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally, known for its blue and silver pinwheel garden, will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at 10 a.m. at the Michigan State Capitol. The rally will host several guest speakers including Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Attorney General Dana Nessel, MDHHS Senior Deputy Director Demetrius Starling and others.
“Every Michigander has a role to play in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. From parent support as they raise their family to informing the community on the importance of their role in keeping children safe, Children Trust Michigan partners are there,” said Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of Children Trust Michigan. “The blue and silver pinwheels displayed in April, and throughout the year, symbolize the health and happiness all children deserve. We ask that all Michiganders join us to help raise awareness this month about the long-term impact child abuse and neglect has and help to strengthen families and to create brighter futures for all Michigan’s children.”
In addition to Governor Whitmer’s FY2026 budget which includes investments focused on meaningful, timely and effective services and supports to help kids safe, the governor has proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Michigan.
“Children deserve to grow up in safe, loving and nurturing homes. Every day, our caseworkers help families navigate crises by connecting them to prevention resources and support to help families stay together safely because research shows that kids do best when they are with their families,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “MDHHS is committed to our shared responsibility with the legislature, law enforcement, judges and partners to continue to enhance Michigan’s child welfare system to meet the needs of kids and families.”
As part of the activities and initiatives planned throughout the month, the 17th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally, known for its blue and silver pinwheel garden, will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at 10 a.m. at the Michigan State Capitol. The rally will host several guest speakers including Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Attorney General Dana Nessel, MDHHS Senior Deputy Director Demetrius Starling and others.
“Every Michigander has a role to play in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. From parent support as they raise their family to informing the community on the importance of their role in keeping children safe, Children Trust Michigan partners are there,” said Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of Children Trust Michigan. “The blue and silver pinwheels displayed in April, and throughout the year, symbolize the health and happiness all children deserve. We ask that all Michiganders join us to help raise awareness this month about the long-term impact child abuse and neglect has and help to strengthen families and to create brighter futures for all Michigan’s children.”
In addition to Governor Whitmer’s FY2026 budget which includes investments focused on meaningful, timely and effective services and supports to help kids safe, the governor has proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Michigan.
